Blog post

Jiranya Saikasem - IS Services Manager, Oxfam GB

"Stretch yourself a little bit; step out from your comfort zone. You will find that you can do more than what you think."

What is your current role? 

I am an Information Systems Services Manager for Oxfam GB, based in Bangkok. 

How did you come to work in ICT? 

Many years ago in my country, Thailand, there was no specific degree in Information Technology, Computer Sciences, Computer Engineering etc. Computer programming was available as an elective subject offered by Department of Statistics. 

Data processing by computer machine was a new study area and I was curious to know how it worked.  I chose statistics as a major subject which allowed me to select all computer programming languages. I switched my dream from Chemistry to IT!!

I started my first job with a computer vendor company. I loved it so much.

What do you like the most about working in ICT? 

My work involves many people who use software and hardware. They use information technology to produce their work, to communicate with others.  I was deployed to Emergency Response in Philippines and Nepal to set up ICT for field offices. I was so happy when the site was able to connect to the world via internet. Communications is not only essential for working, but also for keeping in touch with your family back home, and for letting them know that you’re safe. 

What message do you have to encourage girls and young women considering careers in ICT? 

Stretch yourself a little bit; step out from your comfort zone. You will find that you can do more than what you think.

I just can’t imagine what ICT how evolve in the future. In the 20 years that I have been working in ICT, there have been so many things that I never thought they would be possible, like mobile applications, high speed internet, skype, ichat etc. Everybody uses them now every day. It is your turn to change the future of ICT even more, WOW!!!

For women, we do not have strong physical condition as men’s to carry heavy hardware, however we have soft skills to make all equipment work, apply program or application to suit what people need. We work as a team with a good mix of men and women. I encourage girls to work in ICT, bringing technology to help people have a better life.

Jiranya Saikasem
IS Services Manager, Oxfam Great Britain
Bangkok, Thailand

 

Celebrated on the 4th Thursday in April every year, International Girls in ICT Day is an International Telecommunications Union (ITU) initiative backed by all ITU Member States, that aims to create a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to consider careers in the growing field of information and communication technologies (ICTs).